Be special with us

Though I hear great things about Southern California, I can’t imagine living in a place without real seasons. I like some punctuation in my year: the first snowfall, the first crocus, the first red leaf drifting from a branch. I could live without the first 90-degree day, but it helps me appreciate that wonderful morning in October when I can smell the first autumn chill.

I like holidays for the same reason. They give me something to look forward to. I can make lists of stuff to buy and dig out all my best recipes. I inherited a lot of holiday traditions — especially from my mother, who loves any excuse to buy festive napkins — but now that I feel free to ditch the ones with an unbalanced work-to-pleasure ratio, holidays are a lot more fun.

I also like special issues of this magazine. This is my fourth Careers Issue — August 2018 was the first ASBMB Today that I really edited, so I have a soft spot for careers (you never forget your first issue). Last month, we published our inaugural Reimagining Issue (another tradition in the making?). And in January, if all goes according to plan, we’ll roll out our fourth Wellness Issue.

If I had to pick a favorite holiday, I’d be torn between Halloween and Christmas, but I’m pretty sure Wellness is my favorite issue of ASBMB Today. Because I’m mostly a mom (now also a grandmother), I like to take care of people, and it makes me happy to see them take care of themselves. I worry about all you scientists pipetting all day and hunching over a hot autoclave. I enjoy reading about your self-care rituals and hacks.

And even though the mercury is still dancing around 90 — at least in the metro D.C. area — it’s not too early to be thinking about January and Wellness 2022. As we creep out of our pandemic state, maybe you’ve started a new practice to care for your body, mind or spirit that you intend to continue even when the sidewalk is no longer littered with used facemasks. Maybe you have newfound appreciation for longtime healthy habits.

Whatever you do for wellness, we want to read about it. Aim for about 500 to 1,000 words for your first draft. The deadline is Oct. 15.